General Suspension Info - Don't Know what kinda lift you want? START HERE

So we all know there are a million threads on this forum of "I wanna fit (insert tire size) what kinda lift do I need" threads so I figured why not make on generic thread where people can get all the info they're looking for all in one place.

First off lets start with what kinds of lifts there are out there:

Lift Types:

1. Spacer lifts (generally frowned upon)

The link below is to the Camburg website explaining the disadvantages of spacer lifts:
http://www.camburg.com/toyota/07-09-tundra/read-before-you-buy-a-spacer-lift/

Manufactures: Toytec, Revtech,

2. Springs Lifts - Replacing the stock springs with new springs and reusing the factory struts to gain lift and front weight capacity.

Manufactures: OME (Old Man Emu), Eibach

3. Strut Lifts - New Struts are used in place of the old ones to gain lift using factory springs or can be combined with aftermarket springs to create even more lift.

Manufactures: Bilstein

4. Coilovers - A complete new assembly replacing both stock struts and coils, come completely assembled for easy installation and depending upon which brand are adjustable, rebuildable, and come with available reservoirs.

Manufactures: Toytec, Fox, King, Icon, Camburg, Sway-A-Way, Walker Evans

5. Drop Bracket Lifts - Consists of a new front crossmember and extended spindles, dropping the front diff (if 4x4) down to generate lift

Manufactures: Fabtech, Pro Comp, RCD

6. Long Travel - Consists of widening the stance with extended upper and lower control arms:

See mjp2's write up:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/long-travel-suspension/56245-long-travel-information.html

7. Spindle Lifts - For 2WD only, consists of new spindles providing lift (vary depending on brands)

Now that the basic suspension setups have been stated next the amount of lift will be covered. Most people pick the amount of lift they want because they are looking to run a certain tire size. These are the tire sizes and lift amount in general:

TIRE SIZES

30-31 (265/75R16) - will fit with stock amount of lift (with possible slight rubbing) for those who want to just level out their truck most would recommend Bilstein 5100's (approx. 0" to 1.75" lift)

32-33 (285/70R17) - will require at least 2" of lift (unless you want to trim) for an inexpensive option most go the route of Bilstein 5100's and OME springs, for those who want a better ride quality and off-road ability a completely new Coil-over is recommended. (Are usually adjustable front 0" to 3") Most would not recommend going over 3" due to ride quality, also a new set of UCA is recommended to keep alignment.

35" (315/70R17) - For those wanting to run 35's most will say you need a 6" DB lift kit, this has been proved not be true, can be done with a 3" Lift but does require trimming. (is easily done with a 3" lift if stock fenders are replaced with Fiberglass Fenders) Also, almost all of the people running 35's with 3" lift are running aftermarket front bumpers.

Check out the following links for more info on 3" and 35's:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/123698-35s-3-inch-lift-2nd-gen.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/131823-35s.html

37" - For those wanting to run 37's I suggest checking the following links for info: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-builds/57762-tacoridinhighs-big-red-machine.html


PLEASE, I know there are guys out there that know a lot more then I do but I figured this was a start, so please feel free to PM me any misinformation or anything you feel I should add.

 

Think you misspelled bilstein...
just saying nice post

 

Yea i did thanks for pointing it out! fixed!

 

What about body lift? Other than they suck...
Possibly a sticky...

 

There's already a sticky on this....repost

 

Thought about adding it, but didn't really think they fell under a the "suspension category" and are really basic, there isn't much you need to know to choose a body lift, beside the amount you want

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/11282-tacoma-lift-faq-guide-read.html

 

Yea I saw that, I figured it for more of a list of general parts of a suspension and what not, my bad if it's a repost!

 

All good you Hoser

 

just a note. Im not defending anything but how are 5100 set at 2.5" with stock springs any better than spacers? Correct me if im wrong but by adding spacers you are limiting your down travel of your shock (ie 3" lift with spacers = 1inch less down travel). But by fully extending a 5100 shock with stock coil spring, this shock now has equally limited down travel. So i fail to see the difference between the two...

 

That's a valid point, I'm not a 100% on an answer for you at this moment though, I'm not expert at this (don't claim to be) this was just bunch of info I'd gather from a bunch of similar threads I've been seeing so I figured I sum them all up into one, so I'm sure someone who knows more about the difference between the 2 (cause I totally understand your reasoning) will chime in and have a good creditable answer

 

ya, im no expert either. Just wondering, trying to figure out for myself what the best option is without spending a million dollars. It just seems everyone bad mouths spacers and praises 5100.

It seems to me a guy needs longer shocks AND springs to make it any better.

 

Yea, always a tough decision, I lucked out cause when I bought my truck the previous owner had just purchased Toytec CO's and hadn't installed them so I got those with the truck Otherwise I'd be in the same boat as you.

In my opinion (just on ride quality) I'd go with a new shock/strut, since I've ridden in both a Taco with 2" spacer and one with Billies set at 2" and the one with Billies felt smoother (both had stock rear suspension with a TSB leaf) but I don't know if that's just me convincing myself it's better or if it actually is.

Your best option would be to surf the net looking for someone selling some good CO's or some that are on sale. If you're not in a hurry to get it done.

 

I believe thet're valved far better

 

ya i figured they were valved better, too. Thanks

 

I went with the Revtek spacers and add a leaf. I have all the clearance I needed for 33s and have a near factory ride. I had coilovers on my Ranger and the ride was pretty rough. I've heard very little complaints with the spacers from others and I have none but now I'm working on a 9 inch custom lift for 38s.